Balistic shield

ABSTRACT

A ballistic shield for protection against up to 7.62×63 mm AP rounds (NIJ Level IV). The ballistic shield is multiple layered and includes polymer foam, ceramic tiles, and a support structure fabricated from ballistic resistant fabric. Individual layers are bonded with adhesives and preferably wrapped with fabric. Under the fabric cover of the exterior surface of the shield is a polymer foam layer that exhibits excellent blast impact resistance and blast attenuation properties as well as a hard ceramic or the like layer. The foam layer is preferably made from liquid crystal or semi-crystalline polymer to enhance fire resistance and provide enhanced ductility. According to a preferred embodiment, the man-portable ballistic shield of the present invention also incorporates a compact video system for viewing the front side of the ballistic shield thereby allowing for the elimination of the transparent view port weakness of current state of the art ballistic shields.

This invention was made with Government support under ContractsFA8650-04-C-5030 and HQ0006-07-C-7645 awarded by the U.S. Air Force andMissile Defense Agency. The Government has certain rights in theinvention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ballistic shields and more particularlyto such devices that are light enough to be readily man portable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Man portable ballistic shields are frequently used by SWAT teams, bombsquads, policemen, military agencies, and in civilian applications thatmay involve fragment impact due to operations related gun fire orexplosions. Weight is a major consideration in the design of suchportable shields. Most currently available ballistic shields aredesigned to defeat NIJ Level II and III rounds. Currently availableballistic shields for NIJ Level IV (7.62×63 mm AP (Armor Piercing))protection are so heavy that they are mounted on wheels for mobility. Inrecent years, the availability of higher powered rifles and a variety ofsmall caliber AP rounds has posed additional threats for law enforcementofficers as well as the military. Thus, the need for ballistic shieldsproviding NIJ Level IV protection has significantly increased. The is aneven more pressing for the military because of the greatly increasedavailability of 7.62×63 mm AP weapons/rounds. This invention relates tothe design and manufacturing of portable ballistic shields for weaponsup to 7.62×63 mm AP protection. These new shields are much lighter inweight than the state-of-the-art shields. They also have some fire andblast protection capabilities.

Conventional portable shields are manufactured from metal sheetsincluding but not limited to titanium, stainless steel, carbon steel,and superalloys. More modern ballistic shields are manufactured formballistic resistant fabrics like aramid fibers and ceramic tiles.

Man-portable shields have been used since ancient times. Our ancestorsused shields to protect from stone attacks. Later, shields were used forprotection from arrows attack, swords, axes, spears, and othertraditional weapons. Ballistic shields evolved with the invention ofguns. Ballistic shield research and development, and improvementstherein have evolved in parallel with the development of offensiveweapons such as small arms. Man-portable ballistic shields for NIJ LevelIII protection appeared when rifles were developed. A state-of-the-artballistic shield for NIJ Level III protection with dimensions of 20.5-inby 34.5-in weighs about 32-lb (for example those available fromProtech). In recent years, the availability of armor piercing rounds hassignificantly altered and elevated the requirements for man-portableballistic shields. Portable ballistic shields for protection against7.62×63 mm AP rounds were developed because of this new demand.

Thus, the increased penetrating power of small arms drove the design ofthe ballistic shields to be thicker and heavier. In the early stages ofthis development, if metals were used to manufacture shields forprotection against 7.62×63 mm AP rounds a medium size shield would weighseveral hundred pounds. This weight severely affected the user'smobility and were basicaly unmanageable. The use of ceramic tilessignificantly reduced the weight of the shield. The currently availablePhoenix Level IV ballistic protection shield consists of 3 pieces ofceramic tile each 16×24-in and weighs 157 pounds. Based on the sameconstruction a shield with an overall area 21×34-in weighs about 97-lb.This state-of-the-art ballistic shield is still very heavy andtherefore, is mounted on wheels or dolly for mobility.

A typical ballistic man portable ballistic shield has a transparentwindow made of polycarbonate, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,302,880B1 and 5,392,686. The view port is about 14.5 by 4.5-in and is fastenedto the ballistic panel with screws through the front panel. Otherdesigns use transparent polycarbonate for the entire shield, see U.S.Pat. No. 6,367,943 B1 and 5,641,934. For all these shields, a view portor an entire shield made from polycarbonate can only stop NIJ Level IIIArounds. It is, therefore, a major weakness in the state-of-the-art NIJLevel IV ballistic shield. The shield described in U.S. Pat. No.6,367,943 B1 uses a high-brightness light source to enhance visibilityin darkness. While this improves visibility, it does not eliminate thebasic problem of the relatively poor ballistic protection offered by thetransparent polycarbonate window.

Thus, there remains a need for an enhanced lightweight, man portableballistic shield that offers NIJ Level IV protection. To be considered“man portable” a ballistic shield should weigh less than about 75 poundsand preferably less than about 50 pounds.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide alightweight man-portable ballistic shield offering NIJ Level IVprotection.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such aballistic shield that permits through shield viewing without theintentional introduction of a lower threat level weakness in the shield.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such aballistic shield that permits through shield viewing in low lightconditions without the intentional introduction of a lower threat levelweakness in the shield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a relatively lightweight man-portable ballistic shield for ballistic protection up tomainly 7.62×63 mm AP rounds (NIJ Level IV). The ballistic shield ismulti-layered and includes polymer foam, ceramic tiles, and a supportstructure fabricated from ballistic resistant fabrics. Individual layersare bonded with adhesives and preferably wrapped with fabric. Under thefabric cover is a polymer foam layer that exhibits excellent blastimpact resistance and blast attenuation properties. Although this foamlayer can be manufactured from many kinds of polymers it is preferablymade from liquid crystal or semi-crystalline polymer to enhance fireresistance and provide enhanced ductility. According to a preferredembodiment, the man-portable ballistic shield of the present inventionalso incorporates a compact video system for viewing the front side ofthe ballistic shield thereby allowing for the elimination of thetransparent view port weakness of current state of the art ballisticshields.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top plan view of the ballistic shield in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 shows a variety of enclosed shapes that can be used for theballistic shield of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ballistic shield in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ballistic shield inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the ballistic shield incorporating a compactcamera and a camera-holding telescoping rod in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,215, describes apolymer foam that can be fabricated using a net-shape or near net-shapeprocess or in a block form followed by slicing it into thin sheet. Whenthe net-shape or near net-shape process is used, gas saturated polymerpowder or thin sheet is placed inside a mold and heated to its meltingpoint. Under the pressure of the gas, the polymer expands to fill themold and quickly becomes a net-shape foamed layer. Processing of a blockfoam is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,354 B1. In this embodiment, thepolymer powder or sheets are heated under pressure to form aconsolidated panel. The consolidated panel is then foamed in a pressurevessel. An inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide is used as thefoaming agent. After saturating the consolidated panel is pressurizedwith an inert fluid at an elevated temperature for a short period oftime. Saturation with the inert fluid can be accomplished within 10minutes to a few hours at elevated temperatures depending on thethickness of the part. The saturating fluid is then released quickly toambient pressure. It is then controllably cooled down. This processcreates micron size bubbles in the consolidated panel polymer matrix. Nochemicals or solvents are needed for the foaming process. In the case oftwo-step process described in the foregoing U.S. Patent, the foam matrixis fabricated without fabrics. It is then sliced into thin sheets.Alternatively, this polymer foam layer can be purchased from acommercially available source. The ceramic layer can be manufactured insingle or multiple pieces. It should exhibit a hard value of hardness.The multi-layered fabric of the support structure should have goodballistic resistant properties such as those demonstrated by aramidfabrics.

The second major component of the preferred ballistic shield of thepresent invention is a lightweight and compact video system thateliminates the transparent view port of current state of the artshields. The video system preferably comprises an LCD and a compactcamera. The camera enables the user to see the other/front side of theshield in daytime and in darkness. The power source is a compact batteryinstalled in the video enclosure.

The main objective of the instant invention is to provide a family oflightweight composite shields for ballistic protection. The ballisticshield of the present invention with an areal density of about 44-lb(including the video system) has the capability of defeating multiplehit of ballistic impact up to the 7.62×63 mm AP (NIJ Level IV) round.Currently available ballistic shields for NIJ Level IV protection weighabout two times more. The ballistic shield according to this inventionalso has some fire resistant and blast protection capability.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows the top view ofthe ballistic shield 10 of the present invention. It has a radius ofcurvature R from infinity (flat plate) to a small dimension as 1-in. Inthe case of small radius of curvature the shield will have a tubularshape. In the case of other radii of curvature a complete structurecould have a large cylindrical shape. Ballistic shields with variousenclosed shapes, as shown in FIG. 2, have applications for protection ofwires/cables, instruments, liquid, gases, and other importantsubstances, structures or components. The ballistic shields withenclosed shapes may include but are not limited to circular 12,rectangular 14, elliptical 16, triangular 18, hexagonal 20, pentagonal,and any combination of different shapes like circular and straight 22and 24 as depicted in FIG. 2.

In this invention, the ballistic shield for personnel protection can bemanufactured in a flat shape (radius of curvature at infinity) or with acurvature. Referring again to the accompanying drawings, depicted inFIG. 1, is one preferred embodiment of the ballistic shield 10 of thepresent invention. W is the projected width of the shield. The radius ofcurvature R of ballistic shield 10 ranges from 10-in to infinitypreferably between 15-in to infinity. A rear view of ballistic shield 10is schematically shown in FIG. 3. H designates the height of ballisticshield 10. As depicted in FIG. 3, ballistic shield 10 in accordance withthe present invention comprises a main body 26 made up of a metal sheet28, an enclosure 30 for video display system 32, and a compact camera34. A shield carrying plate (lightweight metal or plastic) 36 containstwo handles 38 for right-handed and left-handed users. It also includesa shoulder strap 40 and forearm strap 42. The video system consists ofan enclosure 30, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or similar viewingsystem 32, and a battery 42. Enclosure 30 can be made of a lightweightmetal including, but not limited, to aluminum or a plastic sheetincluding, but not limited, to polycarbonate. A sheet of metal orplastic can be cut using a pattern and folded to become the enclosure.It can be attached to the main body 26 using hooks, adhesives, screws,or Velcro®.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of shield 10 as shown in FIG. 1.As shown in FIG. 4, ballistic shield 10 is of a multi-layered design.The outer layer 44 is a polymer foam. Underneath polymer foam layer 44is a layer 46 of ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile layer 46 is supported by acomposite structure 48 made from ballistic resistant fabrics. Ceramiclayer 46 may comprise one or multiple pieces. A multiple-piece designcan enhance the multiple hit capability of ballistic shield 10. Thecontact angle between adjacent ceramic plates (50 in FIG. 4) can be90-degree or at a slanted angle. Since firearm attacks are most likelyto approach from the front 48 of ballistic shield 10, it is better todesign the contact angle in an off-axis angle, as shown at 50 in FIG. 4.The off-axis angle (from the plane direction) can range from 10 to90-degree preferably from 30 to 90-degree. Laboratory tests of angularorientations indicate the reduction or elimination of the weakness ofconventional joints that use a 90-degree of contact angle. A riflebullet can penetrate the 90-degree joint but is stopped by the presentdesign of off-axis contact angle.

Although the polymer foam can be manufactured from any suitablecommercially available polymer, it is preferable to use from those thathave excellent fracture toughness and fire retardant propertiesincluding but not limited to polycarbonate, liquid crystalline polymer(LCP), polyurethanes (PU), polyisocyanurate (PIR), elastomers,polyetheremide (PEI, e.g., Ultem), PMMA, crystalline andsemi-crystalline polymers, shape memory polymers, polyesters, epoxies,polyimides etc. The polymer foam may be reinforced by chopped fibers,whiskers, ceramic powders, metal powders, various kinds of nano-fibers,various kinds of nano-tubes, nanowires, particles, etc. Thereinforcement may serve to enhance the impact, fire resistant, thermalinsulation, or other functional properties. The foam matrix ispreferably characterized by cell diameters of from about 1 micron toabout 3 mm. The pores of the polymeric foam can be either closed or opencell, preferably closed-cell. As an example, the polymer foam can bemanufactured using the net-shape or near net-shape LCP foam described inthe pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/807,488 and 12/284,564.It can also be sliced from the LCP foam block prepared as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,232,354 B1. Since the polymer foams layer are veryductile they can enhance the blast resistance properties of theballistic shield. It can also prevent the ceramic layer 22 from damagedue to handling, operations or fragment attack.

Ceramic plates 50 making up ceramic layer 46 can be chosen from avariety of ceramic plates exhibiting hardnesses over 1000 kg/mm². Thethickness of the ceramic layer should be above 0.1-in. It can bemanufactured in one or multiple pieces. In the case of a multiple-piecedesign shown in FIG. 4, the joining edges can be cut in 90-degree or aslanted angle. Alternatively, the ceramic layer may be replaced by alightweight material with the same or higher value of hardness. Thesemay include intermetallic, composites of metals and ceramics,nanocomposites, etc. The main purpose of this hard layer is to blunt thepointed tip of an incoming round or fragment. The support structure willthen capture or stop the blunted bullet completely.

The support structure (composite) in this invention may consist ofmultiple layers of para-aramid fabrics like Kevlar®/Twaron®, ultra highmolecular weight polyethylene (2,000,000 or more in molecular weight)fabrics like Spectra® and polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) fabrics. The numberof layers of fabric used depends on the kind and thickness of the fabricas well as the threat to be overcome. It should preferably be between 10and 100 layers. An appropriate design should be balance the propertiesof the ceramic tile and the support structure. For example, a thickerceramic tile may use a thinner support structure. On the other hand, athinner ceramic tile should use a thicker support structure. Anappropriate ratio will achieve an optimal design of weight and ballisticresistant properties.

The polymer foam can be bonded to the ceramic layer by any adhesivesincluding but not limited to 3M sprayed adhesive, elastomers, RTV,polyurethanes, epoxies, polyesters, shoe-goo, etc. These adhesives canalso be used to bond the ceramic layer and the support structure.

The ballistic resistant structure of the present invention can, ofcourse utilize other kinds of ballistic resistant fabrics, fabric withother patterns and designs, different stacking sequences, differentthicknesses and number of fabric layers, variations in the hard layer(thickness, cutting angles, etc.), and foams with different densities orpore sizes. From the foregoing description and drawings, it will beapparent to the skilled artisan that many suitable arrangements of thepolymer foam, layer(s) of hard material and the impact resistant fabricsfor the support structure are to be considered as within the scope ofthe present invention.

The ballistic shield's viewing capability can be enhanced by using highresolution liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or similar viewing devices,multiple cameras, and other similar techniques. As shown in FIG. 5, wehave developed a design that enables a very broad viewing area. As shownin FIG. 5, a second very compact camera 54 is attached to the end of alightweight telescoping rod 56. In its stowed position, telescoping rod56 is attached to the edge 58 of the shield via clips or Velcro® 60.Telescoping stick 56, in its stowed position, is preferably shorter thanthe height H of ballistic shield 10 for convenience of utilization.Clips or Velcro® 60 allow the user to dismount and mount telescoping rod56, i.e. extend telescoping rod 56 forward of the front surface ofballistic shield 10, using one hand. Camera 54 is connected to the LCDor other suitable display system 52 by a coiled wire 62. Such a viewingdevice offers several advantages to the man-portable shield 10. Itenables user to: (1) see things over tens of feet high (several storybuilding); (2) observe activities around corners without exposure of theusers body; and (3) view activities through gaps or tiny spaces likeunder a door or through a window. The combination of telescoping rod 56and compact camera 54 greatly enhances the user's viewing capability andreduces the risk of surprise attack. It also provides a secondarycamera, in addition to camera 34, in case one camera is damaged. As willbe apparent to the skilled artisan, cameras 34 and 54 may includeinfrared capabilities for viewing in low light and/or smoky conditions.

It should be understood that ballistic shield 10 may be mounted on amovable device or cart so that the user can have both hands free.

The following examples will serve to provide a better understanding ofthe structure and design of ballistic shield 10 in accordance with thepresent invention.

Example 1

Spectra Shield® was purchased from Honeywell (101 Columbia Road,Morristown, N.J. 07962). Kevlar®, and Twaron® fabrics were purchasedfrom Barrday, Inc. (75 Moorefield St., P.O. Box 790, Cambridge, ON N1R5W6) and Hexcel Schwebel (2200 South Murray Ave., Anderson, S.C. ). Tofabricate the support structure with the single curvature as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 we machined a closed mold from aluminum alloy. With aradius of curvature of 20-in and a projected width of 20-in the lengthof the curve is about 21-in. The height of the mold is 34-in. We firstcut 28 layers of Spectra Shield and placed them into the mold. Afterclosing the mold we heated the mold platens of a hydraulic press top toa temperature of between 120 and 150° C. and soaked for 10 to 60-min.The mold was then cooled down to a temperature somewhat below themolding point. The sample was removed from the mold. It has become awell-consolidated structure with a single curvature with a radius ofcurvature of 20-in. We repeated the molding cycle using 50 and 52 sheetsof Spectra Shield® which produced well-consolidated and rigidstructures. We then molded phenolic coated Twaron® fabrics and phenoliccoated Kevlar® fabrics comprising between 20 and 45 sheets. All of theselayered configurations produced consolidated and rigid structures.

Example 2

A Xydar® (LCP) foam block was manufactured according to the processdescribed in a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/807,488.It was sliced into thin sheets between 0.125 and 0.25-in thick.

Silicon carbide tiles were purchased from CoorsTek (600 9^(th) Street,P.O. Box 4025, Golden, Colo. 80401). Three pieces of SiC tiles weremanufactured to make up the sizes (20-in projected width and 34-inheight) and shape (radius of curvature of 20-in) as shown in FIGS. 1 and3.

Using a Spectra Shield® support structure molded as described in EXAMPLE1 we bonded the SiC tiles and the support structure with a roomtemperature cured adhesive. It was a Loctite® 60-min cure adhesiveproduced by Henkel Corporation was used for bonding. After 60-min orlonger of cure time the SiC tiles and the Spectra Shield supportstructure became an integrated structure. The thin sheet of Xydar® foammentioned above was then bonded to this structure using a sprayedadhesive manufactured by 3M. The foam was under light pressure duringthe curing of the sprayed adhesive. After holding for 20-min or longerthe three components became an integrated structure. It was then wrappedup using a fabric. A fabric with foliage green color was used as it isthe color designated for E-SAPI with NIJ Level IV protection. The 3Msprayed adhesive was used to bond the folded edges of the fabric. Thiscompleted the manufacturing of the main body of the ballistic shield.

Example 3

Two to eight holes were drilled along both sides of the supportstructure, prepared as described above, before it was bonded to the foamand ceramic plates. The holes were located near the center along theside of the shield. This allows the shield carrying plate 12 to befastened at various locations and enable the user to conveniently coverthe vital areas of his/her body according to his/her height. Tee nutswere installed at these holes. The shield carrying plate 12 is fastenedto the shield using bolts through these holes with T nuts. This designdoes not create any holes in the hard layer and therefore eliminates allthe weaknesses due to window and fastening that occur in theconventional ballistic shields.

Example 4

Camera enclosure 30 was manufactured from a thin, lightweight metal likealuminum alloy or plastics like polycarbonate. An aluminum alloy sheetabout 0.125-in thick was cut and folded into the shape of the enclosure30. The folded enclosure may have open sides that additional plates areneeded to cover the sides through bonding or bolts. The manufacturing ofthe enclosure by a folding technique is only a convenient andcost-effective technique. It can be manufactured by cutting severalpieces and bonding or fastening them together. The thickness of thesheet material for the construction of the enclosure can range between0.01-in and 0.5-in. Obviously, a thinner material results in lighterweight. The dimensions of the LCD can range from 1 by 2-in to the widthof the ballistic shield. It is preferably smaller than the width of theshield as a larger LCD increases the weight of the product.

Example 5

Flammability tests were performed using ASTM E 1354v Cone calorimetertests at a radiant heat flux of 35 KW/m². The test results, Table 1,indicate that the weight losses of black PMMA, Kevlar/Xydar® foamedcomposite sandwich, PBO/Xydar® foamed composite sandwich and Xydar®(LCP) foam are 100%, 30.8%, 5.9%, and 46.4%, respectively. Apparently,the LCP foam used as the outer layer of the ballistic shield in thisinvention is superior to black PMMA and other polymer systems tested byFAA. During the entire test, the following properties were recorded andplotted: HRR (heat release rate per unit area), SPR (smoke productionrate per unit area of exposed specimen), mass lost, t_(ig) (time toignition and sustained flaming over specimen surface for at least 10sec), and t_(b) (total burning duration—ignition to mass loss less than150 g/m²).

TABLE 1 LCP foam's fire resistant properties. t_(ig) t_(b) HRR_(peak)t_(peak) THR HRR_(60S) HRR_(180S) Material (s) (s) (kW/m²) (s) (MJ/m²)(kW/m²) (kW/m²) Black 26 1154 715 880 727.6 345 526 PMMA 0202.PB02 3993450 95 770 180.3 7 33 0301.PB013 603 1574 29 1045 15.7 9 16 0302.LCP10287 2052 84 305 78.7 63 48 HRR_(300S) HRR_(30S, MAX) 10-90 MLR InitialFinal Mass Mass Loss Material (kW/m²) (kW/m²) (g/m²-s) Mass (g) Mass (g)Loss (g) (%) Black 571 27.8 307.8 0.2 307.7 100 PMMA 0202.PB02 48 94 2.3226.4 154.1 69.7 30.8 0301.PB013 18 28 0.9 198.4 183.1 11.7 5.90302.LCP10 46 76 1.7 64.7 33.8 30 46.4 EHC SEA SPR SR₁ SR₂ TSR Material(MJ/kg) (m²/kg) (1/s) (m²/m²) (m²/m²) (m²/m²) Black 23.7 90 PMMA0202.PB02 22.9 189 0.41 98 1493 1591 0301.PB013 11.8 54 0.08 110 72 1820302.LCP10 23.2 127 0.22 96 430 525 0202.PBO2: Kevlar ®/Xydar ® foamedcomposite sandwich 0301.PBO13: PBO /Xydar ® foamed composite sandwich0302.LCP10: Xydar ® (LCP) foam

Example 6

We manufactured a ballistic shield with dimensions of 20-in wide (21-inmeasured along the curvature) by 34-in height according to theprocedures and materials mentioned above. The LCP foam layer wasmanufactured from Xydar® based on the technique disclosed in aco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/807,488 SiC plates werepurchased from CoorsTek as a special custom made item. The edges of theSiC plates have a 45-degree bevel as shown in FIG. 4. Three SiC plateswere used to make the ballistic shield that has a radius of curvature of20-in. A support structure was molded from Spectra Shield® according toEXAMPLE 1. These components were bonded using 3M sprayed adhesive and60-min cured Loctite® adhesive. The thus formed composite was thenwrapped with a foliage green color fabric and bonded with a sprayedadhesive. The completed shield weighed 44-lb. The ballistic shield wastested by ICS Laboratories Inc. (1072 Industrial Parkway North,Brunswick, Ohio 44212) based on the standard NIJ 0108.01 type IV. It wastested with 7.62×63 mm AP M2 (NIJ Level IV) rounds at an average of 2880fps (feet per second). ICS certified that the thus produced shield had amultiple hit capability of up to 3 shoots. Three more ballistic shieldswere subsequently manufactured and shipped to ICS to determine the V50of this model using 7.62×63 mm AP M2 (NIJ Level IV) rounds. ICSdetermined that the V50 of this model was 3095 fps.

Example 7

A ballistic shield was manufactured using 53 layers of Twaron® fabricsand a thin layer of Xydar® foam. It has an areal density of about 7 psf.A ballistic shield manufactured according to this example demonstratedthat it can defeat multiple hits of AK47 FMJ delivered at 2400 fps. Whena thin layer of SiC plate was used, the number of layers of the Twaron®fabrics. The shield had an areal density of about 6.9 psf. It can defeatmultiple hit of AK47 FMJ delivered at 2400 fps.

Example 8

A ballistic shield was molded from Spectra Shield® and bonded to aXydar® foam at the exterior surface. It was then wrapped with a fabricwith foliage green color. This shield has dimensions of 21 (alongcurvature) by 34-in. and weighs about 13.5-lb. Ballistic tests showedthat it can defeat various kinds of hand guns, fragments, and AK47hollow point rounds.

This shield meets the UL752 level 7 and NIJ Level III standards. Thisdesign has potential application for firefighter and policeman for riotcontrol. These applications may involve hand guns, small rifle likeAK47, fragment impact, fire and smoke. Our infrared camera system allowsuser to see things in smoky and dark environments.

There have thus been described portable ballistic shields that exhibitthe following capabilities:

-   -   1. ability to defeat NIJ Level IV 7.62×63 mm AP rounds in        multiple hits;    -   2. lightweight (over 120% lighter than state-of-the-art        ballistic shields);    -   3. different viewing options to fit customer's own needs;    -   4. eliminates the viewing port weaknesses of conventional        man-portable protective shields;    -   5. enables user to see things in the dark without using a bright        light;    -   6. fire retardant; and    -   7. some blast protection capability.

As the invention has been described, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A man-portable ballistic shield having afront and a rear surface comprising: A) a multi-layer supportingstructure comprising a plurality of ballistic resistant fabric layers;B) a hard ballistic resistant layer exhibiting a hardness of at least1000 kg/mm², C) a polymer foam layer; D) a telescoping rod that can beextended beyond the front surface of the ballistic shield to provideextended viewing in front of the ballistic shield attached to saidshield; and E) a camera attached to said telescoping rod providing aview at least forward of the front surface.
 2. The ballistic shield ofclaim 1, wherein the telescoping rod is removeably attached to theballistic shield.
 3. The ballistic shield of claim 1 further comprisinga display at the rear of the ballistic shield allowing for viewing ofimages from said camera by a user.
 4. A ballistic shield having a frontand a rear surface comprising, in order from the rear surface: A) acomposite layer comprising one or more ballistic resistant fabriclayers; B) a ceramic layer; C) a polymer foam layer; said ballisticshield being man portable and further including a viewing systemcomprising a telescoping rod attached to said shield; and a cameramounted on said telescoping rod providing a view at least forward of thefront surface and a display at the rear of the ballistic shield allowingfor viewing by a user.
 5. A ballistic shield having a front and rearsurface comprising, in order from rear surface: A) a composite layercomprising one or more ballistic resistant fabric layers; B) a ceramiclayer; said ceramic layer comprising at least two ceramic platesarranged end to end and joined at an off-axis contact angle; whereinsaid ceramic layer comprises a first ceramic plate and a second ceramicplate; said first plate and said second plate each having at least oneslanted end so as to align with at least one slanted end of aneighboring ceramic plate; the angle of said at least one slanted end ofsaid first plate and the angle said at least one slanted end of saidsecond plate being complimentary angles so as to form a uniform ceramiclayer; said ceramic layer having a front surface corresponding with saidfront surface of said ballistic shield and a rear surface correspondingwith said rear surface of said ballistic shield; said ceramic plateshave a long side and a short side; and said front surface of saidceramic layer is formed solely by said long side of said ceramic plates;and C) a polymer foam layer.